How to Create Podcasts

Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create a Podcast with NotebookLM: Complete Guide (2026)

Have you ever wanted to turn your research, notes, or favorite articles into an engaging podcast—without recording equipment, editing software, or any technical skills? Google's NotebookLM makes this possible with its revolutionary Audio Overview feature. In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to create professional-sounding podcasts in minutes, complete with a real-world example that demonstrates the power of this tool.

What is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is Google's AI-powered research assistant that transforms how we interact with information. Unlike ChatGPT or other general AI tools, NotebookLM focuses exclusively on the documents you upload, ensuring every response is grounded in your actual sources. The Audio Overview feature takes this one step further—it converts your documents into engaging podcast-style conversations between two AI hosts who discuss, analyze, and synthesize your content.

Why Create Podcasts with NotebookLM?

Save Time and Money: Traditional podcast production requires expensive equipment, recording studios, and hours of editing. NotebookLM generates professional-quality audio in 5-10 minutes with zero cost. Perfect for Multitasking: Transform dense research papers, meeting notes, or study materials into audio you can consume while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. Engaging Learning Format: Studies show that conversational audio improves information retention. The two AI hosts create a natural dialogue that makes complex topics easier to understand. No Technical Skills Required: If you can upload a document, you can create a podcast. It's literally that simple.

Step-by-Step: How to Create Your First NotebookLM Podcast

Step 1: Access NotebookLM

Visit notebooklm.google.com and sign in with your Google account. NotebookLM is completely free to use—no credit card required.

Step 2: Create a New Notebook

Click the "Create" or "New Notebook" button on your dashboard. Think of a notebook as a container for a specific topic or project. Give it a descriptive name so you can find it later.

Step 3: Upload Your Sources

This is where the magic begins. Click "Add Sources" and choose from multiple options:

  • Upload files from your computer (PDF, .txt, Markdown)
  • Link Google Docs or Slides directly from your Drive
  • Paste a website URL to import web content
  • Copy and paste text directly into NotebookLM
  • Add YouTube videos (NotebookLM uses the transcript)
  • Upload audio files (MP3, WAV, and other formats)

You can add up to 50 sources per notebook, with each source containing up to 500,000 words. For your first podcast, start with 1-3 related sources for best results.

Pro Tip: The AI generates better podcasts when your sources are cohesive and related to a single topic.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After uploading, NotebookLM needs a few moments to analyze your content. You'll see a spinning circle next to each source. Once processing completes, the Notebook Guide panel appears on the right side of your screen.

Step 5: Generate the Audio Overview

In the Notebook Guide panel, locate the "Audio Overview" section. You'll see two options:

Option A: Quick Generation
  • Simply click "Generate" for an instant podcast based on all your sources
  • The AI will create a 6-10 minute conversation automatically
Option B: Customized Generation
  • Click "Customize" to add specific instructions
  • Tell the AI what to focus on, the expertise level, or the tone you want
  • Example: "Focus on practical tips for beginners" or "Emphasize the scientific evidence"

Step 6: Listen and Download

Generation takes 2-5 minutes depending on the amount of content. Once complete, you can:

  • Play the podcast directly in your browser
  • Download it as a WAV audio file
  • Share a link with others (they can listen but not edit)
  • Create multiple versions with different customization prompts

Real-World Case Study: The Mediterranean Diet Podcast

Let me show you how this works with a practical example that appeals to virtually everyone: health and nutrition.

The Setup

I wanted to learn about the Mediterranean diet but didn't have time to read through multiple research articles. Here's what I uploaded to NotebookLM:

1. A scientific review article about Mediterranean diet health benefits (PDF)

2. A beginner's guide from a nutrition website (URL)

3. A 7-day meal plan (Google Doc)

4. Personal notes from a documentary I watched (pasted text)

Total reading time for all sources: Approximately 3 hours Time to upload to NotebookLM: 2 minutes

The Customization

Before generating the podcast, I clicked "Customize" and entered:

"Create a conversation that explains the Mediterranean diet for complete beginners. Focus on practical benefits, simple meal ideas, and common mistakes to avoid. Make it encouraging and accessible, not overly scientific."

The Result

Five minutes later, NotebookLM generated an 8-minute podcast featuring two enthusiastic hosts discussing:

  • Opening: What makes the Mediterranean diet different from fad diets
  • Core principles: Emphasis on whole foods, healthy fats, and plant-based meals
  • Practical tips: How to start with small changes, like using olive oil instead of butter
  • Meal examples: Real dishes from the meal plan, making them sound delicious
  • Scientific backing: Quick mentions of heart health and longevity benefits
  • Encouragement: Reassurance that you don't need to be perfect to see results
The hosts sounded remarkably natural—they built on each other's points, asked clarifying questions, and even added moments of humor. One host said, "So basically, if it's something your Italian grandmother would approve of, you're probably on the right track!" These human-like touches made the content genuinely engaging.

The Impact

I listened to the podcast during my morning walk. By the time I got home, I understood:

  • The core principles of the Mediterranean diet
  • Three easy meals I could make that week
  • Why this approach works better than restrictive dieting
  • Exactly how to get started
Most importantly: I actually retained the information because the conversational format kept me engaged. Reading those same articles would have taken hours and felt like work.

Pro Tips for Better Podcasts

1. Structure Your Sources

Organize content with clear headings before uploading. NotebookLM follows document structure to create logical flow in the podcast.

2. Mix Source Types

Combine different formats—a research paper for credibility, a blog post for accessibility, and personal notes for unique angles.

3. Use Customization Strategically

Don't leave the podcast to chance. A simple 1-2 sentence customization prompt dramatically improves relevance. Examples:

  • "Focus on the financial implications for small businesses"
  • "Explain this like I'm a busy parent with no technical background"
  • "Emphasize the environmental impact and sustainability aspects"
4. Create Multiple Versions

Generate 2-3 podcasts with different customization prompts, then choose the best one. Each generation is free and takes just minutes.

5. Export and Repurpose

Download the WAV file and upload it to:

  • YouTube (with simple visuals)
  • Spotify or Apple Podcasts
  • Your website or learning management system
  • Social media as short clips

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: The podcast sounds too generic Solution: Use the Customize feature with specific instructions about tone, audience, and focus areas Problem: Important details are missing Solution: Add those details in a separate document or use the Customize prompt to direct attention: "Especially emphasize the cost-saving strategies" Problem: The podcast is too long Solution: In Customize settings, select "Brief" (2-3 minutes) instead of "Standard" or "Extended" Problem: Can't download the audio Solution: Try a different browser (Chrome works best) or check your browser's download settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is NotebookLM's podcast feature really free?

A: Yes, completely free with no hidden costs or usage limits.

Q: Can I upload copyrighted material?

A: You can upload any documents for your personal learning and research. The podcasts are generated for your use based on your uploaded sources.

Q: How long can my podcast be?

A: Podcasts typically range from 2-15 minutes depending on your source material and customization settings (Brief, Standard, or Extended).

Q: Can I edit the podcast after it's generated?

A: NotebookLM doesn't offer editing tools, but you can download the WAV file and edit it with free software like Audacity or import it into professional tools like Podcastle.

Q: Will the hosts sound robotic?

A: No! The AI voices are remarkably natural with appropriate intonation, pauses, and conversational dynamics. Most people are surprised by how human they sound.

Q: Can I create podcasts in languages other than English?

A: Yes, NotebookLM supports 80+ languages for both source documents and podcast generation.

Final Thoughts

Creating podcasts with NotebookLM represents a fundamental shift in how we consume information. Whether you're a student turning textbooks into study aids, a professional transforming industry reports into commute-friendly audio, or simply someone who wants to learn about the Mediterranean diet without reading for hours—this tool makes it possible.

The best way to understand the power of NotebookLM is to try it yourself. Start with a topic you're genuinely curious about, upload 2-3 related sources, and hit generate. Ten minutes from now, you could be listening to an engaging podcast created from your own research.

The future of learning isn't just reading—it's having AI hosts discuss your personalized content in a format that fits your life. And with NotebookLM, that future is already here.

Ready to create your first podcast? Visit notebooklm.google.com and turn your ideas into audio in the next 10 minutes. --- Last updated: February 2026 | All features mentioned are available in the free version of NotebookLM

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